Zoo visitors arrive early to see pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia

A group of about 30 people showed up at the Singapore Zoo early Thursday morning to be among the first to see pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia.

They told The Straits Times that they anticipated a long queue and had come early to beat the crowd.

First in line was banker Ken Chew who arrived at 7.20am.

"My kids had asked me to bring them to see the pandas, so I'm here," said the 40 year old.

A group of about 30 people showed up at the Singapore Zoo early Thursday morning to be among the first to see pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia. -- ST PHOTO: NG KAI LING

Giant panda Kai Kai chewing on bamboo during the grand opening of the Giant Panda enclosures at the River Safari. A group of about 30 people showed up at the Singapore Zoo early Thursday morning to be among the first to see pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia. -- ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN

Giant panda Kai Kai chewing on bamboo during the grand opening of the Giant Panda enclosures at the River Safari. A group of about 30 people showed up at the Singapore Zoo early Thursday morning to be among the first to see pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia. -- ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN

The Giant Panda Forest is the first attraction to be launched at the River Safari, and it opens to the public today.

Jia Jia explores the Giant Panda Forest exhibit, which opened to the public on Thursday.

Visitors can buy zoo admission tickets ($20 for adults, $13 for children) and pay an extra $5 (adult) or $3 (child) to see the pandas.

The rest of the 12ha river-themed park will open next year, tentatively in February.